Who needs some cheer in your life?

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Most people will tell you, I’m a talker, and I guess it’s true. I can always find the next thing to chat about. Although recently I had a friend who was going through some really tough stuff, I found it hard to just find what to say to them. When our friends are hurting, it’s so natural to ask things like How can I help? How can I pray for you? Tell me how you’re feeling. But sometimes we forget that they are still a person with a life to live. Sometimes, when the whole world is treating them like delicate china, what they need is the same old conversation you’d normally have with them. When the whole world is hugging them and reminding them to pray and trust God, sometimes they need to hear Hey! I haven’t seen you all week! So good to see you!

So how do we help those who are hurting, without reminding them that they’re hurting? John 16:33 reminds us that even when there’s tough stuff, we can be cheerful, knowing that He has overcome the world. Some days, we need someone to sit and cry with us, and listen, and pray with us and for us. But sometimes we need a break from our grief, a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that God is still good! Even the strongest of believers can find themselves doubting, or simply unable to see His light in their own situations. It’s easy to say that God is good all the time, when everything really is good. But man is it hard to remember that, when your road is so rough that you can’t even stand up straight. When you can’t even get a grip on your surroundings, when everything has been ripped out from under you, it is so hard to stand up and proclaim His greatness. But that’s why we aren’t meant to walk alone.

God is going to bring our friends through this deep patch. They may not know how, or what the other side will look like. But, in the depths of prayer and all the meals we can deliver and coffee we can share, we have a unique opportunity to breathe some fresh air into them. We can lift them up and help them find peace, even while they are hurting. While we pray for those in need, remember that it’s also ok to greet them with cheer. There is a joy to be had in the name of Jesus, and you can bring that joy to those who can’t find it. Who needs some cheer in your life? Do they know you are praying for them? How can you bring them some of His joy?

This is my Prayer: Father God, I know that You are taking care of us in the all times. Especially in the hard times. Lord I know that You will see us through to the other side. Jesus help us to find Your joy in the meantime! In Your name, Jesus. Amen